by Ashley Cole
So are you single”, she joked. “Who me?”, Monty was in shock. He’d never been hit on in front of his daughter before. “Well yes you, what are you an owl? Whooo” she said as Maddie laughed. “Well yes actually I am”, he replied in amazement. “Good to know” she said turning to walk away. “You two enjoy your evening, Goodnight”, she waved. “Goodnight!”, they said yelling back in unison. “Dad she’s really pretty.” “Yes, she is”, he replied smiling while heading the rest of the way home.
Chapter 15
Scarlett decided she should probably check her mailbox being that it had been three days since she last checked. It was always bills, so she was never in a rush to spend her paycheck on anything other than clothes, shoes or wine. As she made her way to the mailbox, she heard a man’s voice. “Excuse me”, he yelled. Looking up she realized it was the asshole that had almost ran her off the road earlier. She was about to give him a piece of her mind until she saw his daughter sitting in the passenger seat.
Fortunately for him he was stopping by to apologize. Apparently, he was running late to pick her up from school and was in a rush. His daughter was a cutie pie, and he wasn’t bad looking either. To be honest the brother was fine as hell, and if she wasn’t so bent of having Stephanie, she’d probably be interested.
Hmmm, she thought, maybe she could set him up on a blind date with Naomi. He seemed to have class and was truly a gentleman. Scarlett accepted his apology and joked around asking if he was single. He seemed embarrassed but sooner or later he’d learn she didn’t bite her tongue much.
Once she made it back inside she headed upstairs to get ready for bed. She noticed Naomi had sent a good night text. She was sure her friend was exhausted and had probably already fallen asleep, after the day she’d had. She went ahead and replied to Naomi’s text knowing her response would be full of dramatics when she replied.
“Good night bestie. Let’s hope for a better day tomorrow. I have someone I would like you to meet, and yes, that means I’m setting you up on a blind date. Before you get all booshie on me and turn your nose up, try to be open. I’m sure you’re starting to grow cobwebs on your cooch. Plus, I haven’t seen my Mason in weeks and this will be a way I can spend time with my nephew. I can keep him while you’re having a much-needed date night. NO is not an option” she hit send after attaching a kiss-blowing emoticon.
Even though she knew Naomi wouldn’t see her response until the morning, she was full of excitement. Naomi normally turned her notifications off at night so her phone wouldn’t wake Mason. Scarlett was thinking of what kind of trouble she had just gotten herself into. Sure, she would probably get cursed out but it would be well worth it. Knowing she would get an earful in the morning she would happily answer that call and ignore all her excuses. Naomi was probably traumatized from her marriage to Ethan but it was time to move on. It was time for her to get back out there and have fun.
Scarlett set out an outfit for tomorrow making sure it was loose fitting. She did not feel like dealing with Principal Hunter’s roaming eyes. She would be wearing black dress pants and a red ruffle top with red sandals. If she were heading to happy hour after work she would have packed her red pumps, but she knew she’d never be able to talk Naomi into that. She barely got her to agree to going out Friday.
Hanging her outfit on the door she knelt beside her bed to say a prayer. Scarlett knew she wasn’t perfect but she was grateful for everything she had. She always made sure thank God for all of it every night before bed. As she jumped into bed she reached over to her nightstand for her sleep mask.
She was very sensitive to light and the lights that shone from her computers and TV’s used to keep her up at night. The sleep mask was the greatest invention ever. Clapping twice she turned off the lights in her bedroom before lying down. “Goodnight world”, she mumbled dozing off already.
Chapter 16
It was Friday evening and the week felt as if it had been five days too long. Chanel had been standing in the middle of her walk-in closet pacing back and forth for over an hour. She was trying to figure out what she wanted to wear, being that she had promised Kristina earlier this week she’d go out. However, as always, she ended up having a hard time choosing what to wear. It wasn’t that she didn’t have enough clothes, in fact her issue was the exact opposite. She had a plethora of clothes which always left her overwhelmed with what to choose.
“Eugh, this is getting ridiculous.”, she huffed. She was just about ready to give up and throw her PJ’s back on when the ringtone Kush by Lil Wayne began playing. “Hey girl, what’s up?”, she answered knowing it was Kristina. She’d recently chosen the ringtone for her hinting around to her obsession with weed. She liked the ringtone, but as of right now it was the last song she wanted to hear.
She knew exactly why her friend was calling, she was about to catch an attitude about her always being late. Kristina had zero patience for waiting on others, but she was in the negatives when it concerned waiting on Naomi. “Are you dressed yet? Wait, don’t even answer that. Let me guess, you’re still trying to pick an outfit. Naomi, you always take forever and you know I wanted to go to happy hour at Cole’s before we go out”, she complained.
“You know what, I knew you were calling to complain and I’m not gon’ lie I almost didn’t answer this phone. You know I always take a long time, but I’m trying to find something heifer. I’ll be on my way soon, give me thirty minutes. I think I know what I’m going to wear. I just need to fix my makeup, and bump my hair. This stupid heat made my curls fall.”, she replied annoyedly. “Okay, but don’t take more than thirty minutes, or I’ll be calling back. I’m dressed already so hurry your ass up and text me when you’re on the way”, she said full of attitude.
Chanel rolled her eyes ending the call without saying goodbye. She knew the conversation would go that way. She’d probably get tired of waiting on her friend too, if it happened every time they went out. The other reason she was having such a hard time picking an outfit, was she was still a little riled up about what happened at work a few nights ago, hence, a short dress was out of the question. If any man at OHM’s tried grabbing her ass or tits tonight he was going to get his ass kicked, no questions asked.
“Why in the hell did I agree to this?”, she mumbled. As she stood staring at her reflection in the mirror, she knew it was too late to back out now. Kristina would never forgive her, especially since it never took her long to get dressed. Plus, she would never understand that she’d rather be at work making money, even though she was pissed about what happened. Taboo’s was always packed on Fridays and she would be getting paid tonight, but who was she kidding? Her friend never worried about money because she was too busy mooching off her parents.
Kristina had zero problems when it came down to choosing an outfit. No matter what the occasion was or where they were invited, she always wore the same thing. A colorful crop top, ripped skinny jeans and matching stilettos with a matching clutch. She loved to show off her flat tummy. “Hell, she’d probably wear that to my funeral if she could get away with it”, she smiled thinking out loud.
Grabbing her black lace romper, she held it up to her perfect frame as she admired the outfit through the full body mirror. She loved how the romper complimented her curves but still left a little to the imagination. The romper was lace with a black bodysuit underneath that covered her private parts. She knew it would look sexy but she’d still be classy, which was the goal.
She grabbed her red pumps, red clutch and some red accessories before she found a reason to look for a different outfit. Stepping out of the closet she sat everything on her bed as she made her way to the bathroom. “Okay time to choose makeup, hmmm”, she said as she turned on her Chi Iron. She decided on Chili-Matte Red for her lipstick, along with a Smokey eye shadow as she grabbed her Mac Foundation. After bumping her hair, she unplugged her Chi and grabbed her Victoria Secret Weightless body oil and sat on her toilet seat cover, to moisturize her skin.
Once done,
she walked back towards her bedroom, to spray on a little of her favorite Dolce & Gabbana perfume, before grabbing her outfit to get dressed. Checking the clock, she knew she was swiftly approaching her thirty-minute deadline, so she sent Kristina a text letting her know she’d be on her way in five minutes. She threw on her accessories, grabbed her clutch and made sure to put her Id and cash inside. Kristina would have a conniption if they had to turn around because she’d forgotten something.
Making one last stop to check her reflection, she smiled pleased with her ensemble. Her jet-black curls were flowing down her back, her makeup was on point and her outfit was bad as hell. Grabbing her car keys, she turned off the lights and locked up before heading outside.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived at Kristina’s. She decided against blowing the horn for her to come out. She’d probably have an attitude about that too, she thought. Changing into her red flats she stepped out of her car and walked to the front door to ring the doorbell but before her hand could reach the doorbell, the door flew open.
“Took your ass long enough, let’s go”, she said smiling. “Whatever, hi Mrs. Thompson”, Chanel said waving at Kristina’s mom. “Hey sweetheart, you girls have fun and be careful”, she chimed. “Yes ma’am”, they replied in unison as Kristina shut the door. “Okay you need to pull up the directions to Cole’s because I’ve never been there before”, Naomi said putting her seatbelt on. “I already have it saved, hold on”, she replied.
“You will reach your destination in seventeen minutes”, the GPS announced. “Okay, that’s not bad, we’ll beat the traffic.” “Well duh that’s why I was rushing you, crazy girl”, she laughed. Kristina told Chanel about her day and how excited she’d been that they were finally going out. She also joked about Chanel getting out of the house and maybe meeting a hot guy at the club to make out with. Little did she know, a hot guy was the last thing on her mind, she needed a drink.
Chanel parked in front of Cole’s as they made their way to the bar after walking in. “Can I get you ladies anything?”, the bartender asked. Chanel took no time to respond as she looked the bartender up and down. He was tall, and muscular with a caramel complexion and green eyes, her type. “Do you have something sweet but strong?” Chanel asked. “Dang girl, you are ready to get your drink on aren’t ya?”, Kristina jested. Chanel ignored her waiting on the bartender to reply who seemed to find the joke funny. “As a matter of fact, I do. Long week?”, he asked. “Yessss”, she replied theatrically.
“I can make you a Starburst Shot to start off with. It has Vanilla Vodka, Watermelon Schnapps, and sweet and sour mix. Does that sound like something you would like?”, he searched her expression awaiting her reply. “Sounds yummy but strong, just the way I like it, make it two”, she smiled sticking her tongue out at Kristina. “I’ll have the same”, Kristina laughed. They both had a seat at the bar, chatting about how packed it would probably be at OHM’s tonight. “I should warn you to have bail money ready, because if some fool gropes me tonight I am going off.”, she frowned. “I got you. Don’t even worry about it, I’ll be your bodyguard tonight”, she winked.
“Okay no more shots, I don’t want to have to call Uber”, she said pinching Kristina. “Ouch, alright girl. Let’s hit this blunt before we head out. Excuse me can we get the check?” she said addressing the waiter, while putting her blunt away. “No problem ma’am”, he replied. After receiving the ticket, Kristina paid both of their tabs. Chanel dramatically held her mouth open. She usually had to pay for everything. “Oh, hush, it’s my treat tonight. You always take care of me, so whatever you want just ask.”
“Whatttt! I’m really ready to go now”, she laughed. “Let’s go”, Kristina giggled. After locking Chanel’s doors, she lit the blunt taking a few puffs as they slipped into the clouds. Several minutes later Kristina began typing OHM’s address into her GPS. “Hey I actually know how to get there, I’ve been wanting to go for a while now”, Chanel chimed enthusiastically. “Well why didn’t you tell me? We could have gone out weeks ago, I just figured you wanted to catch up on a few bills before we got back into the flow of things.”
“It’s okay, we’re going now and that’s all that matters. I’m ready to have fun bisshhhh!” she yelled. “Yasssss!!!”, Kristina yelled back. Chanel wanted to park in valet so Kristina gave her ten dollars to pay the attendant as they hopped out of her. “Be careful with my baby, no scratches and no dents”, she said handing him her car keys. “Yes ma’am”, he smiled. “Girl come on, no one wants to touch that car”, Kristina said. “Whatever you know you like my car”, Chanel snapped back. Making their way to the VIP line they looked in the bouncer’s direction.
“Come on in ladies”, the bouncer said staring them both up and down. “Hey we’ve been waiting fifteen minutes”, a guy yelled. The girls laughed. “When you look like this you will never have to wait again”, the bouncer said not even looking in the angry guy’s direction. As they walked in they already knew he would let them in. Thanks to their looks they never waited to get into nightclubs. Maybe it was unfair to others, but it was just the way things were. Sexy ladies never wait.
The DJ was wooing the crowd with Drake’s Fake Love, as they made their way to the VIP section. Everyone looked sexy tonight. The ladies were rocking dresses skin tight dresses and the fellas wore crisp button ups freshly shaven and man did she love a nice Goatee, the fellas were dapper.
Winking at each other as they sashayed through the crowd, they unlatched the velvet rope as the entered the VIP section. Kristina ordered the largest bottle of Pineapple Cîroc, handing the waiter a credit card, and Chanel was blown away. She wondered where her friend had gotten all this money. She’d be asking soon, but not tonight, she wanted to have fun. A few fellas walked passed VIP stopping to say hello but Chanel wasn’t interested.
Apparently, Kristina was already drunk in love. Her friend refused to date anyone other than Caucasian men. They had to have a nice build and blue eyes with blonde hair. She had obviously just hit the jackpot. The man her friend was making googly eyes with was sporting a white and blue collar shirt with faded blue jeans and brown Steve Maddens. If she was into white guys, she’d date him. He was sexy as hell. Refusing to sit and watch her friend suck face, she yelled “I’ll be back”, to Kristina, as she opened the VIP rope and made her way to the dance floor. She loved to dance in the middle to avoid prying eyes. She knew she was beautiful, and she was confident. but she was shy at nightclubs for some reason.
Getting lost in the crowd, she closed eyes, allowing her body to find the beat as the DJ played one of her favorite songs, This Is What You Came For, by Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna. Lost in the moment, she was caught off guard, when she felt a hand caress the small of her back. Ready to slap their hand away she turned realizing it was Noah.
Chanel was at a loss for words. “Dance with me”, he said watching her closely as he pulled her closer to him. She felt as if he was peeking into her soul. She was very attracted to Noah, and it was very rare for her to run out of words to say but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. So, instead she let me pull her into his embrace and they danced as if no one was watching.
Noah stared intently into her eyes his expression intense. So, intense her heart quickened leaving her feeling completely vulnerable. Uncomfortable with her not so subtle attraction to him, she turned in the opposite direction as she began grinding against him to the beat. He grabbed her waist following her lead, seeming so close she could almost feel his lips brush against the back of her neck.
His strong hands gently rubbed alongside her ribs as he turned her to face him. Unfortunately, the song had come to an end. Noah leaned in, close enough to kiss, what is that intoxicating smell, she wondered. She felt as if she were in a trance, or if he’d seduced her with black magic. Whatever the case was, she knew she’d happily follow him anywhere he wanted to go. “Let’s talk, can I get you anything to drink?”, he asked pulling her closer. Chanel felt her knees buckle, “Sure.” It was th
e only response she could manage to come up with, which baffled her.
As they headed towards the bar, he reached back grabbing her hand as he escorted her through the mass, daring anyone to touch her. The crowd parted like the red sea. “Is there anything in particular you’d like?”, he asked. “You choose”, she replied wondering what in the hell had gotten into her. She had never allowed a man choose her beverage. He turned away, never letting her hand go. “Two long islands”, he told the bartender. After paying for their drinks, he led her to VIP, motioning for her to have a seat as he handed her the drink he ordered. The perfect gentleman, she thought.
“I know this is going to sound strange, but I would like to get to know you. May I ask your real name? Chanel sat quietly, not knowing if she should open up to him. She guessed it was obvious that Deja-Vu was a fake name. “Look I just want to get to know you, on a deeper level, see what’s beneath the surface, if you’ll allow me to. I promise I won’t run, I’m here to stay”, he pleaded. Taking a long sip of her Long Island, she replied, “Chanel, my name’s Chanel.” “Such a beautiful name for a lovely lady”, he replied.
Feeling uncomfortable she stood to leave, “Wait can we start over, my apologies if I’m coming on too strong. I thought I could hide these feelings but I see I’m failing horribly. The last thing I want to do is run you off. Please have a seat I just want to talk”, he said hoping she’d stay. Chanel decided to stay but as she sat beside him she began looking at the floor. Everything in her wanted to run, but she felt torn. She knew Noah was different. “Please look at me, I promise I won’t hurt you”, he said as he lightly touched her chin turning her to face him.